He lambasted the front-runner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, for what he called inconsistencies in his record.

"I've watched a number of them, and I've got to be honest, I never thought I'd say this: I'm beginning to miss Sarah Palin's insights," Rahm told a Democratic crowd at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Des Moines, Iowa.

"Their debate was called the Thanksgiving Family Forum - which is fitting because I have never seen such a collection of turkeys,” Emanuel said.

Across town, five GOP hopefuls were speaking at a Thanksgiving church event.

Emanuel continued to tear apart the Republican hopefuls.

"Take Mitt Romney. He said he would be in Iowa tonight. We should have known he would change his mind."

Romney did not appear at the Iowa Thanksgiving event, choosing instead to make a speech in New Hampshire.

Emanuel was no less forgiving of the other candidates: "Newt was at the debate. I heard he had to leave early to run back to his most important people: The salespeople at Tiffany's. Herman Cain and Rick Perry were running a little late, they were in their tutorial: Where's Libya?"

Gingrich faced questions early in his campaign about a large line of credit at the famous jeweler. In recent days Cain has stumbled over questions about Libya, including suggesting the Taliban was operating in the country.

Emanuel mentioned a few Republicans he labeled "impressive," but none are currently running for the nomination. His list included Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Emanuel reserved his harshest criticism for Romney, whom he assailed as inconsistent and cold to the problems of the middle class.

He listed a series of issues he said Romney had flip-flopped on, including climate change, abortion and gay rights.

"Mitt Romney says he's a man of steadiness and consistency," Emanuel said. "If that's true, then I'm a linebacker for the Chicago Bears."

Emanuel said the only issue Romney was consistent on was supporting big corporations.

"The only thing scarier than Mitt Romney's flip-flops are the issues he has refused to bend on, where he's refused to change: He has been rock-solid in siding with the privileged over the middle class," Emanuel said.

In a statement, Romney's spokesman said the focus on the Massachusetts governor was an indication of his strength as a candidate.

“The last thing the White House wants is to run against Mitt Romney – which explains their obsessive focus on him and deployment of all of President Obama's cronies to attack him," Andrea Saul said Sunday. "President Obama has failed to create a single net new job and has wreaked more havoc on the middle class than any president in modern history. The only job he cares about is his own, so, instead of working to create jobs for Americans, he's working to create distractions."

soundoff(32 Responses)

"Morons" would be a much more accurate descrption of the current GOP field (with the exception of John Huntsman).

November 19, 2011 10:52 pm at 10:52 pm |

jack

Actually, the average turkey is smarter !

November 19, 2011 10:52 pm at 10:52 pm |

Not fooled

I miss Rahm Emanuel. LOL

November 19, 2011 11:13 pm at 11:13 pm |

DL

And we care what Rahm Emanuel thinks? Talk about turkeys. Gobble, gobble Rahm.

November 19, 2011 11:22 pm at 11:22 pm |

Jon Mann

Mr. Emanuel is correct in his dialogue, my hope is that more Democrats step up as surrogates for the President and help fight some of the lies that are being told and unchallenged by some of the Republicans.

November 19, 2011 11:43 pm at 11:43 pm |

Larry L

Romney is a corporate lackey. If people want to end Social Security, Medicare and Tricare they should vote for this rich-man's lap dog.

November 19, 2011 11:46 pm at 11:46 pm |

Hans Eijmberts

Well said!

November 20, 2011 12:13 am at 12:13 am |

normajean @ verizon ,com

Don't you just love a man who calls just as he sees them..??????? Good man Emanuel!!!!

November 20, 2011 12:36 am at 12:36 am |

New Age Independent

For anyone to listen to Emanuel, he's have to be creditable first. So far, he's done nothing except acting as the Party Mouthpiece.

November 20, 2011 12:50 am at 12:50 am |

Marla

Great insights from Rahm. I think that he is very comfortable with his new position – good for him!

November 20, 2011 12:53 am at 12:53 am |

Jess C

Pretty accurate assessment, although most of us already knew that.

November 20, 2011 12:55 am at 12:55 am |

Grundoon

Yup, that whole GOP race is nothing but a clown car.

November 20, 2011 12:58 am at 12:58 am |

ThinkAgain

What an insult to turkeys everywhere!

November 20, 2011 01:19 am at 1:19 am |

carmelle

wow...Rahm..Obama's attack dog. Get him Rahm!!! Believe it or not, we miss you. Progs won't say it, but they do.

November 20, 2011 01:25 am at 1:25 am |

one voice

I like you Rahm, You tell it like it is.

November 20, 2011 01:42 am at 1:42 am |

Gijoe

Rahm , another of hells children

November 20, 2011 02:01 am at 2:01 am |

Middle class & treading water

Finally a politician that isn't afraid to voice his opinion on this group of GOP (un)hopefuls. Straight talk and no minced words. This is by far the most refreshing article I've read recently. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving!

November 20, 2011 02:16 am at 2:16 am |

Middle class & treading water

Finally a politician that isn't afraid to voice his opinion on this group of GOP (un)hopefuls. Straight talk and no minced words. The most refreshing article I've read recently. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving!

November 20, 2011 02:25 am at 2:25 am |

Chris

Hey Rahm why don't you get your ass back to Chicago and keep your focus on running our City instead of stumping for Obama! Unbelievable!

November 20, 2011 02:47 am at 2:47 am |

Marry

Sir, this one is too easy for you!
The observation that the GOP/TP “Candidates” are nothing to brag about is all too evident. And, they manage to add nonsense every day to the mountain of BS they create.
(The latest – Gingrich does not like current child labor laws and said: "making work worthwhile" for children ...and, I might add, a little later: corporations.
As their parents lose their jobs: …get rid of unionized janitors…
Please draw your own conclusions…)

November 20, 2011 02:56 am at 2:56 am |

NATHAN WIMBERLY

That is being kind. Try delusional turkeys.

November 20, 2011 05:58 am at 5:58 am |

Jerry/Florida

Ram, you are the biggest turkey of them all!!! You are also the biggest liar; very well trained by your friend, the president.

November 20, 2011 06:36 am at 6:36 am |

Anonymous

thanksgiving is around the corner

November 20, 2011 06:49 am at 6:49 am |

Marie MD

I love this man. Talk about telling it like it is and he tells the truth!
He is not one to take you know what from anyone either.